CA2137197C - Belt buckle with replaceable ornamental face plates - Google Patents

Belt buckle with replaceable ornamental face plates

Info

Publication number
CA2137197C
CA2137197C CA002137197A CA2137197A CA2137197C CA 2137197 C CA2137197 C CA 2137197C CA 002137197 A CA002137197 A CA 002137197A CA 2137197 A CA2137197 A CA 2137197A CA 2137197 C CA2137197 C CA 2137197C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
base frame
belt buckle
face plate
sliding grooves
ornamental
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002137197A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ji-Won Wu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
WU JI WON
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2137197C publication Critical patent/CA2137197C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44BBUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B11/00Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts
    • A44B11/001Ornamental buckles
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/40Buckles
    • Y10T24/4098Ornamental and/or object supported

Landscapes

  • Buckles (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)

Abstract

A belt buckle includes a base frame for joining the ends of a belt which comprises a rectangular top recess on a top wall thereof, two parallel sliding grooves transversely disposed at two opposite sides by said rectangular top recess, two pairs of holes respectively made on two opposite ends of either sliding groove, the sliding grooves having a respective front end opened and a respective rear end closed, each hole receiving a spring and a steel ball supported on the spring, the steel ball in either hole partially projecting into either sliding groove; and an ornamental face plate mounted on the rectangular top recess on the base frame and having two guide rails respectively inserted into the sliding grooves on the base frame, the guide rails having a respective pair of recessed portions at the bottom into which the steel balls in the holes of the base frame engage respectively.

Description

~ 2137197 BELT BUCRLE WITH REPLAC~A~T~ O~NAM~NTAL FACE PLATES
.

BACKGROUND OF THE lNV~NllON
The present invention relates to a belt buckle and relates more particularly to such a belt buckle having a replaceable ornamental face plate.
The belt buckle has sliding grooves on two opposite sides of a rectangular top recess thereof and spring-supported steel balls in holes on the sliding grooves, and therefore different ornamental face plates can be alternatively and replaceably fastened to the belt buckle like a lidless box made to slide in and out of a table.

The belt which is to be worn round the waist to hold the trousers is commonly attached with a belt buckle for joining the ends of the belt. Belts or belt buckles of different colors and designs may be used to match trousers of different colors and designs.
However, it is not economic to prepare various belt buckles or belts in order to match trousers of different colors and designs. Further, frequently changing a belt buckle from one belt to another may cause the fastening device of the belt buckle damaged easily.

Figure 1 shows a belt buckle having a replaceable ornamental plate. The ornamental plate can be conveniently detached from the base frame, and therefore a replacement of the same structure in a different design can be alternatively fastened to the base frame. However, this structure of belt buckle is still not satisfactory in function. Because the base frame and the ornamental plate are designed to hold either end of the belt, the base frame and the ornamental plate are stretched from each other when the belt is worn round the waist, and therefore the connecting parts between the base frame and the ornamental plate may be loosened or damaged easily.
Another drawback of this structure of belt buckle is that the belt must be unfastened each time the ornamental plate is to be replaced. Further, because the base frame and the ornamental plate are connected in series, an ornamental design which cover the whole area of the outside surface of the belt buckle cannot be kept in integrity. In order to keep the ornamental design in integrity, it can only be made on the ornamental plate, namely, partial area of the outside surface of the belt buckle.

S~MMARY OF THE lNv~NllON
The present invention has been accomplished - 21~7197 to provide a belt buckle with a replaceable ornamental face plate which eliminates the aforesaid drawbacks.
It i5 therefore an object of the present invention to provide a replaceable ornamental face plate for a belt buckle which can be conveniently replaced without unfastening the belt. It is another object of the present invention to provide a replaceable ornamental face plate for a belt buckle which covers the whole outside surface of the belt buckle to add beauty to the belt buckle. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a replaceable ornamental face plate for a belt buckle which does not affect the structural strength of the belt buckle.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the belt buckle comprises a base frame for joining the ends of a belt, and an ornamental face plate replaceably fastened to the base frame. The base frame comprises a rectangular top recess on a top wall thereof, two parallel sliding grooves transversely disposed at two opposite sides by said rectangular top recess, two pairs of holes respectively made on two opposite ends of either sliding groove. The sliding grooves have a respective front end opened and a respective rear end closed. The hole at either end of either sliding groove receives a spring and a steel ball - 2137197 ~

supported on the spring. The steel ball in either hole partially projects into either sliding groove. The ornamental face plate is mounted on the rectangular top recess on the base frame, having two guide rails respectively inserted into the sliding grooves on the base frame. The guide rails have a respective pair of recessed portions at the bottom into which the steel balls in the holes of the base frame engage respectively.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the ornamental face plate fits into the rectangular recess and i5 disposed in flush with the top wall of the base frame.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the ornamental face plate has an ornamental top wall covered over the top wall of the base frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a belt buckle according to the prior art;
Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a belt buckle according to the preferred embodiment of the present - 2137~97 ~

nventIon;
Fig. 3A is an elevational view showing a flush type ornamental face plate fastened to the base frame of the belt buckle according to the present invention;
Fig. 3B is an elevational view showing a full-cover type ornamental face plate fastened to the base frame of the belt buckle according to the present invention;
Fig. 4A is a cutaway of Figure 3A;
Fig. 4B is a partial sectional view taken on Figure 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figures 2, 3A, and 3B, a belt buckle in accordance with the present invention is generally comprised of a base frame 2, a flush type ornamental face plate 3 and a full-cover type ornamental face plate 4 alternatively fastened to the base frame 2.

The base frame 2 comprises a fastening device (not shown) to hold one end of the belt, a rectangular top recess 21, two parallel sliding grooves 211 transversely disposed at two opposite sides by the rectangular top recess 21, and two pairs of opposite through holes 212 respectively made on two opposite ends 2 1 37197 -~

of either sliding groove 211. Each sliding groove 211 has one end opened and an opposite end closed. Through the sliding grooves 211 on the base frame 2, the ornamental face plate 3 or 4 can be moved to slide in and out of the base frame 2 (this will be described further. Each through hole 212 receive a steel ball 213 and a spring 214, and is then sealed with a locating plug member 215 at the bottom for permitting the steel ball 213 to be supported on the spring 214 above the locating plug member 215. When set, the steel ball 213 partially projects out of the respective through hole 212 to stop the flush type ornamental face plate 3 in position (see Figure 4 and 4A).

Referring to Figures 4 and 4A and Figures 2, 3A and 3B again, the flush type ornamental face plate 3 is made of rectangular shape slightly smaller than the rectangular recess 21 on the base frame 2, having two guide rails 3A on two opposite shorter sides thereof respectively inserted into the sliding grooves 211 on the base frame 2. Each guide rail 3A has two recessed portions 3B near two opposite ends thereof at the bottom. As the guide rails 3A of the flush type ornamental face plate 3 are respectively inserted into the sliding grooves 211, the steel balls 213 in the holes 212 will respectively engage into the recessed portions 3B to hold the flush type ornamental face plate 3 in the rectangular top recess 21. When the flush type ornamental face plate 2 is mounted on the rectangular top recess 21, it is disposed in flush with the topmost edge of the base frame 2. The full-cover type ornamental face plate 4 fits over the base frame 2 at the top, having a rectangular bottom block 41 fitted into the rectangular top recess 21 of the base frame 2.
The structure of the rectangular bottom block 41 is similar to the flush type ornamental face plate 3, having two guide rails 4A on two opposite shorter sides thereof. The guide rails 4A of the rectangular bottom block 41 of the full-cover type ornamental face plate 4 have a respective pair of opposite recessed portions 4B
(not shown) at the bottom. By inserting the guide rails 4A of the rectangular bottom block 41 into the sliding grooves 211, the steel balls 213 in the holes 212 will respectively engage into the recessed portions 4B on the guide rails 4A to hold the full-cover ornamental face plate 4 in place. Therefore, the flush type ornamental face plate 3 and the full-cover type ornamental face plate 4 can be alternatively fastened to the base frame 2.

When the belt is worn round the waist by the belt buckle, the ornamental face plate 3 (4) can be directly removed from the base frame 2 by pulling it out of the sliding grooves 211 without unfastening the belt from the waist, and then another ornamental face plate 4 (3) can be directly fastened to the base frame 2 by inserting the guide rails 4A (3A) into the sliding grooves 211. As the ornamental face plate 3 (4) is pulled outwards from the sliding grooves 211, the steel balls 213 will be forced to compress the respective springs 214 and to release from the recessed portions 3B
(4B) for letting the ornamental face plate 3 to be taken out of the sliding grooves 211. Therefore replacing the ornamental face plate 3 (4) is easy.

While only one embodiment of the present invention has been ~hown and described, it will be understood that various modifications and changes could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, different ornamental patterns or openings may be made on the ornamental face plates 3;4 to add beauty.

Claims (3)

1. A belt buckle comprising:
a base frame for joining the ends of a belt which comprises a rectangular top recess on a top wall thereof, two parallel sliding grooves transversely disposed at two opposite sides by said rectangular top recess, two pairs of holes respectively made on two opposite ends of either sliding groove, said sliding grooves having a respective front end opened and a respective rear end closed, each hole receiving a spring and a steel ball supported on the spring, the steel ball in either hole partially projecting into either sliding groove; and an ornamental face plate mounted on the rectangular top recess on the base frame and having two guide rails respectively inserted into said sliding grooves on said base frame, said guide rails having a respective pair of recessed portions at the bottom into which the steel balls in said holes of said base frame engage respectively.
2. The belt buckle of claim 1 wherein said ornamental face plate fits into said rectangular recess and is disposed in flush with the top wall of said base frame.
3. The belt buckle of claim 1 wherein said ornamental face plate has an ornamental top wall covered over the top wall of said base frame.
CA002137197A 1993-12-06 1994-12-02 Belt buckle with replaceable ornamental face plates Expired - Fee Related CA2137197C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US161,532 1993-12-06
US08/161,532 US5379493A (en) 1993-12-06 1993-12-06 Belt buckle with replaceable ornamental face plates

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2137197C true CA2137197C (en) 1997-05-27

Family

ID=22581560

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002137197A Expired - Fee Related CA2137197C (en) 1993-12-06 1994-12-02 Belt buckle with replaceable ornamental face plates

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US5379493A (en)
AU (1) AU656119B3 (en)
CA (1) CA2137197C (en)
DE (1) DE9419242U1 (en)
FR (1) FR2713055B3 (en)
GB (1) GB2288203A (en)
IT (1) IT232584Y1 (en)

Families Citing this family (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6098252A (en) * 1999-04-02 2000-08-08 Victor M. Garcia Belt buckle with backlift face plates
AU2002365050A1 (en) * 2001-12-21 2003-07-30 Michaels Of Oregon Co. Belt buckle
US6886724B2 (en) * 2003-04-04 2005-05-03 Yun-Tung Hung Removable cover piece for belt buckle
US7254872B2 (en) * 2005-06-16 2007-08-14 Amara Ross Belt buckle
FR2896668B1 (en) * 2006-01-30 2008-03-07 Christophe Almuneau DEVICE FOR REPLACING THE ORNAMENTAL SIDE OF A BELT LOOP WITHOUT BEING OBLIGED TO WEAR BELT
US20080120814A1 (en) * 2006-02-22 2008-05-29 Matusek Ronald C Belt buckle
US20080033733A1 (en) * 2006-08-02 2008-02-07 Coates Lawrence J Male eveningwear ensemble and method
AT510513B1 (en) 2010-09-17 2013-08-15 Oelzant Eveline From the belt tool-free detachable belt buckle with integrated container for check cards and the like
US9113677B2 (en) * 2011-07-07 2015-08-25 Jesse ANDERSON Belt buckle system
US20150009654A1 (en) * 2013-07-01 2015-01-08 Jewelectric Gemstone Illuminator
WO2015127357A1 (en) * 2014-02-24 2015-08-27 Barbaras Development, Inc. Buckle assembly with interchangeable face member
KR101895278B1 (en) * 2017-05-16 2018-09-05 송광수 Sliding buckle
USD860857S1 (en) * 2017-10-19 2019-09-24 Slidebelts Inc. Belt buckle
AU2019392582A1 (en) * 2018-12-05 2021-06-10 Sandra Leeann GIARRUSSO Ornamental connector
US11284678B2 (en) * 2019-08-29 2022-03-29 Christopher May Ratchet belt system having interchangeable faceplates and method therefor
US11559112B2 (en) * 2020-07-17 2023-01-24 Allyn Gerald CLEMENTS Belt buckle with replaceable insert

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2316225A (en) * 1941-04-22 1943-04-13 Hoffmann Elisa Strajman De De Ring-mounted jewelry
US3969836A (en) * 1974-11-14 1976-07-20 Dubois Donald E Buckle with removable display insert
CH614582B (en) * 1978-05-12 Bedeco Sa SET CONSISTS OF A WATCH ATTACHED TO A BELT BUCKLE.
US4502188A (en) * 1983-04-05 1985-03-05 Buxton, Inc. Theme belt buckle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT232584Y1 (en) 2000-01-10
FR2713055B3 (en) 1996-04-19
AU656119B3 (en) 1995-01-19
GB9423224D0 (en) 1995-01-04
DE9419242U1 (en) 1995-03-09
GB2288203A (en) 1995-10-11
ITTO940241V0 (en) 1994-12-05
ITTO940241U1 (en) 1996-06-05
US5379493A (en) 1995-01-10
FR2713055A1 (en) 1995-06-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2137197C (en) Belt buckle with replaceable ornamental face plates
KR200189787Y1 (en) A mobile phone holder
US7571520B2 (en) Adjustable buckle
EP3738460A1 (en) Buckle
US4042988A (en) Air mattress
USD327455S (en) Buckle
EP1138220A3 (en) Zipper for reclosable container
CA2018904A1 (en) Key
USD350229S (en) Tool pouch
USD361081S (en) Fastener arrangement for dive mask strap
USD329210S (en) Belt buckle
USD361407S (en) Safety helmet
USD332695S (en) Ski case
USD343291S (en) Carrying case for portable telephone
USD360526S (en) Suitcase
USD361408S (en) Safety helmet
USD389779S (en) Buckle assembly for strap shortening
USD354457S (en) Buckle
USD357351S (en) In-line hockey equipment bag
USD353152S (en) Wrap-around eyeglasses
US6978596B1 (en) Transitional modular Italian charm link
US4584743A (en) Belt buckle
USD416132S (en) Portable cellular telephone carrying case
CA2403340A1 (en) Strap fastener
USD385825S (en) Self locking strap buckle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
MKLA Lapsed